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Light & Hope at Midwinter

In many cultures, past and present, February 1st is a promise of release from the dreary darkness and bitter cold of winter. Beneath the frozen earth, life stirs. This midwinter celebration, halfway between the first day of winter and the first day of spring, gives us hope.

Like watching your children grow, you look up one morning and say, “When did you get so tall?” Those extra minutes of sunlight each day since the Winter Solstice have accumulated. Lift your eyes, look around, become aware of the light. The lengthening of days is a slow process—but the change is now noticeable.

The pressure to set goals, reflect on last year, or make resolutions to better ourselves is associated with the calendar New Year.

The first day of February offers a fresh start. It is about new beginnings. It brings knowledge that the seeds we planted are deep within—there is life underneath the frost and snow. These plants will soon break through the soil, reaching and growing.

Trust that there is life in the darkness and there you will find hope.

Yes, It’s been celebrated for many years in numerous cultures. Usually associated with the goddess Brigid then, later, Saint Brigid. Not a change of season, really, but used to mark midwinter and, for some, the beginning of spring. Thanks, Robbie! ❤

Ah, hello my friend. ❤ It's lovely to see you here. I'm happy to spread hope when I can. I'm taking a deep breath today and focusing on the light. Sometimes, that is all we can do. Sometimes, that is enough. Thanks, Norah. Hope you are well.

Love the shit ton of snow we could get in an otherwise snow-free winter. (As long as I don’t have to go anywhere and can sit by the fireplace and drink tea.) Yes! The birds are definitely chirpier. I’ve noticed that. Aw, sweet chickadees. ❤

This is lovely, Sarah. I love that first morning when I get up and it’s actually light! Or the first evening when my hubs gets home and we can go for a walk. The returning light is what gets me through winter. Hope you’re doing well, my friend. ❤

Hello, my friend! ❤ Good to see you. Things are a bit challenging at the moment and I've not been online much at all. Miss my blogging buddies. Hope you're doing well.

Yes, I love that the evening sunlight is stretching a bit later for those (cold) walks. Nature and walking are wonderfully restorative. I love them. (I wouldn't know about getting up that early… 😉 Wishing you many relaxed, sunny mornings.)

Ha! That’s right. Good ol’ Phil. Early spring. We are definitely affected by the seasons weather we’re aware of it or not. (I’m so sorry–I could *not* help that one. Too easy.) 😉 Hope you’re doing well. Good to see you, Barbara. ❤

I decided to make a bullet journal to track my exercise and habits. It starts in Feb since I figured it would be a waste of time and effort to try to think back through January. Plus I didn’t lock down my exercise routine until the beginning of February. Anyways, yes! February is a good time to start new!

I know! I can imagine the sunlight staying longer as soon as the Winter Solstice hits but, in February, I can really begin to notice it. ❤ Stock up on those candles, lovely. Just don't save them. You know the story of the woman with the rose candle that was "too pretty to burn"…